Rejuvenated Tom on cup tie

Tom Elliott believes he’s now earning the rewards after adjusting to life at AFC Wimbledon and the towering striker would love another crack at a big club in the Emirates FA Cup.

However, in the same way that hard graft has turned around his career with the Dons, Tom knows that only more of the same work ethic will earn a place in the third round with Curzon Ashton providing a tough hurdle to overcome on Sunday.

Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Tom talked about his progress this season – he has already scored as many goals as he did in the whole of 2015/16.

“When I first came here I had to adjust to the philosophy here,” said Tom. “The manager, ‘Coxy’ and ‘Bass’ were on my case, but in a good way! They wanted to get me up to speed with everyone else, not just physically, but mentally as well. I have taken it on board this year and I have bought into what the manager wants. I know it’s difficult at first – it is hard for Dom and Tyrone – but you have to keep on top of it. The boys will always support you here if you work hard. The boys are learning more about what I can do for the team and I have gelled with them.”

A clip of Tom’s interview can be viewed on our official You Tube channel via the link above and it’s clear to hear a rendition of “We’ve got Tom Elliott” from Andy Barcham!

Tom has certainly experienced the highs and lows of the FA Cup during his career. Being a part of the Cambridge United side that faced Man United in a replay at Old Trafford was a big highlight, but Tom also recalled his time as a young footballer at Leeds United when they were beaten by Histon.

At 26 years of age now, Tom is also wise enough to know how motivated Curzon Ashton will be tomorrow.

“When I was at Cambridge we drew against Man United and the replay was played in front of 75,000 fans,” added Tom. “It was a great tie for us and it was quality to be a part of it. I would love to get a big team again in the third round. I know the boys played against Liverpool a couple of years ago, I remember watching it on TV and it was a fantastic atmosphere. Personally, I would love Arsenal away, but we have to get through Sunday first and it’s going to be a hard task.

“Curzon Ashton have done really well and I know everyone wants an upset in the cup. When I was at Leeds we got beat by Histon and that was a massive upset. I looked at Curzon’s squad the other week and they have a couple of players I know. Johnny Gorman was at Cambridge and another guy called Michael Potts played at Man United when I was younger.

“There are a lot of good players who have dropped out of the league in the Conference and below. They work hard to try and get back into the league and we cannot take Sunday for granted. We have to treat it like a League One match and stick to our game. It is not going to be easy, but I think the boys are up to the task.”